The striker, who played for Norwich City and Nottingham Forest, was 37 when he committed suicide in 1998 after being charged with sexually assaulting a 17-year-old boy in the States.

In an interview to be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 today, Robbie admitted he delayed his revelation because of his career.

He said: “In football, you hear the most homophobic things that scar you and really affect you growing up. I didn’t know what would happen, I was just very fearful. I feared going to the training ground or into the changing room and having everyone staring at me in silence. All that stuff was in the back of my mind.

“I don’t think fans in England are homophobic at all. They are just so passionate they will do anything to help their team get a little bit of an edge.

“The things they say in a stadium do not reflect their character. But sometimes they go overboard. I learned that while I was in England.

“It’s sad. Fans must think before they start yelling.”

He added: “I hope other players can learn from my experience and see that it wasn’t a big deal. I’m still playing football and getting on with my life.”